A new program at Logan Hospital is making a difference for patients like Ronald (Ron) Sheppard who is living with both diabetes and early-stage kidney disease.
Ron became one of the first patients to join the iDETECKD project, a collaborative approach to care between the Logan Endocrine and Diabetes Service (LEADS), the Nutrition and Dietetics team and several other specialists.
Principal Allied Health Project Officer Jacqueline Cotugno said iDETECKD focused on identifying patients with early-stage kidney disease, who were also managing diabetes, to offer them more personalised care.
“The goal is to provide care that’s easy to access, focusses on the person’s needs, and improves their health while helping them feel more confident in managing their own care,” Jacqueline said.
“The program differs from the usual approach where an endocrinologist typically leads the care. Instead, patients set their own health goals, and a Dietitian Diabetes Educator and Nurse Practitioner coordinate the care, with support from other specialists.
“This team effort not only focusses on what matters most to patients but also helps reduce wait times for diabetes services.”
The iDETECKD project was spearheaded by Dietitian Diabetes Educators Emma Owers and Stacey Sharp, and Nurse Practitioner Jenna Newton.
“They recognised an opportunity to better support people managing both conditions while alleviating pressure on the system,” Jacqueline said.
With funding from the Office of the Chief Allied Health Officer, the program launched in October, shaped by feedback from over 40 individuals living with or at risk of diabetes and kidney disease.
The patients highlighted the importance of feeling heard, receiving clear and useful information, and being involved in decisions about their care.
Ron spoke highly of the care he had received and said his visits to LEADS were always positive – although joked that could be because he always had a joke ready to share with the team.
“It’s great to have professionals who really understand what I’m going through and work with me on what’s most important to me,” Ron said.
By listening to patients and working together, the iDETECKD project is helping people with diabetes and kidney disease live healthier, more confident lives.